Far North Line and West Highland

[ajax103]

Any idea a new version of these routes will come out any time? I believe they were on a cd by Vern Moorhouse and the routes called Far North Line 1.5 and West Highland Stage 2, just wondering if a newer version was to come out having just spend the weekend in the area

[alanch]

I doubt it - Vern's been working on routes in RS and Trainz. If you search, you will find plenty of recent posts by him.

[scampispeedway]

Hi Ajax103, guess where I'm going next week for a Train Journey, Newcastle to Inverness on Monday, Inverness to Kyle of Loch Alsh and back on Tuesday, Inverness to Wick on Wednesday, Wick to Thurso and back on Thursday, before returning to Inverness on Friday and finally coming home to Newcastle on the Saturday
This to see first hand the paths of the routes you mentioned which I have been up and down many times on my computer using MSTS.
It is a pity that Vern never got round to doing the run from Dingwall to the Kyle in 2004 as he states on the Far North Line F6 Station/Sidings names Tab because it would have been a great addition to a lovely run.

Bob

[ajax103]

Hi Ajax103, guess where I'm going next week for a Train Journey, Newcastle to Inverness on Monday, Inverness to Kyle of Loch Alsh and back on Tuesday, Inverness to Wick on Wednesday, Wick to Thurso and back on Thursday, before returning to Inverness on Friday and finally coming home to Newcastle on the Saturday
This to see first hand the paths of the routes you mentioned which I have been up and down many times on my computer using MSTS.
It is a pity that Vern never got round to doing the run from Dingwall to the Kyle in 2004 as he states on the Far North Line F6 Station/Sidings names Tab because it would have been a great addition to a lovely run.

Bob

Already been there to these places, I recommend the Lochalsh Hotel at Kyle of Lochalsh for dinner I agree it would have been nice to run the entire line from Inverness to both Wick/Thurso/Kyle of Lochalsh and then run some 2 car 158s on it or to please some members, a steam engine or two with a rake of Mk.1s

[ianmacmillan]

A good weekend is.......

Train to Mallaig on Friday.

Bus to Skye then Kyle on Saturday.

Train to Inverness on Sunday.

Train from Inverness on monday.


Don't try it the other way as the transport on Skye is poor on the Sabbeth.

[chester025]

or to please some members, a steam engine or two with a rake of Mk.1s

26/27 on a rake of 4/5 steaming MK1s!

[ajax103]

or to please some members, a steam engine or two with a rake of Mk.1s

26/27 on a rake of 4/5 steaming MK1s!

Sorry, a pair of 26s/27s then

[bigvern]

As it stands, the MSTS routes are the final version. Far North was starting to push the Route Editor and sim as far as I could with one or two troublesome tiles.

I did contemplate extending the West Highland down to Glasgow or at least Craigendoran but my train sim hiatus in 2005 overtook that ambition. No plans to revive I'm afraid.

As regards TRS - have started a couple of projects recently but fizzled out. Now waiting to see what improvements Trainz Classics brings. KRS, have tried twice to get something going but too many issues (won't go into here). It seems to me likely to become a niche programme like Rail 3D or Eisenbahn.exe in terms of end user demand. May have another go later in the year if I can rouse enough interest but it's more likely to be a short branch line than a major project.

One of the problems with building routes virtually non-stop for 4 years is that when you stop, you suddenly appreciate all the other things you missed. That makes it harder to go back. Also the current nice weather at the moment (and hooked on GTA IV) makes it hard to contemplate serious route building. To be honest, i'm really waiting to see what MSTS2 has to offer - if the World of Rails gives a reasonable overall impression of the West Highland or Far North, subject to difficulty involved it should be easier to detail these compared to doing it longhand in the traditional sims.

There's also the constant harping on from certain quarters re "2005/2006/2007/2008 Standards", "UK Routes must use UKFS" etc. etc. which frankly is all a bit offputting to the chap who just wants to have a go at producing a simple replica of a favourite route and sharing it with the community. Interesting thread on the MSTS2 forum re whether there is a need for less detailed but more user accessible sim - one which does not discourage the user with average ability having a go at creating add on content.

(Apologies if this turned into a bit of a rant).

[steamnut44]

Hi Vern,
I notice you have changed your Avitar, have you just bought a Vauxhall?

[bigvern]

Yes a 1.2 Corsa with Easytronic gearbox.

Unfortunately in the first week it had the infamous Vauxhall handbrake failure and ran back off the driveway. More damage to the bumper than the neighbour's fence and no one hurt, fortunately.

I now leave it in gear though with Easytronic not quite sure what position the 'box is in when you stop.

Other than that, it's a very nice motor!

[steamnut44]

Yes a 1.2 Corsa with Easytronic gearbox.

Unfortunately in the first week it had the infamous Vauxhall handbrake failure and ran back off the driveway. More damage to the bumper than the neighbour's fence and no one hurt, fortunately.

I now leave it in gear though with Easytronic not quite sure what position the 'box is in when you stop.

Other than that, it's a very nice motor!

Ive had Vauxhaull's for years Vern, very reliable too. I have a 3 year old Corsa (not the latest edition) and before that I had an Astra and previously the first model Corsa. My son also runs the latest Vectra and he also sticks to Vauxhall.

Regards
Geoff

[alanch]

I'll keep the off topic theme going.

I bought my first new Vauxhall for over 40 years just over 4 years ago, with a massive discount because it was one month after the new registration came in, and I've been very happy with it. It's a low end Zafira which I needed because my wife has a back condition which makes it better for her to travel laying down on the back seat. Bus passenger usually do a double take. Makes me feel a bit like a chauffeur. I love the higher driving position, the handling and the performance.

[steamnut44]

I think we should form a UKTrainsim Vauxhall Owners Club

[ajax103]

I think we should form a UKTrainsim Vauxhall Owners Club

Yeah, while I drive by listening to Queen while driving my Ford Escort Estate and leaving you lot standing!

[alanch]

I drive sitting down, and look down (literally) on Ford Escorts.